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Survey: 91% of teachers in Wales have excessive workload

A survey by Welsh teachers’ union UCAC shows 91% of its members have an excessive workload.

The survey and meetings with members confirmed that teachers in Wales are under a great deal of strain due to excessive workload and that schools are failing to comply with statutory requirements concerning providing a reasonable work-life balance for teachers and school leaders.

The statistics published in the report give a clear indication of teachers’ working hours, their duties as well as their opinions about which duties have the greatest impact – and the least impact – on raising standards.

UCAC general secretary Elaine Edwards said: “It is clear that teachers are of the opinion that many tasks interfere with their ability to concentrate on those things that have the greatest impact on raising standards.

“The evidence raises serious questions about teaching as a career. How can we continue to attract graduates to the profession? How can we keep conscientious teachers in full time posts? How can we attract classroom teachers to posts with extra responsibility?

“We believe that the current situation is unsustainable with so much discontent within the profession due to excessive workloads, extremely low morale and a lack of status and respect for teachers in general.”

The report, which has been sent to Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills, contains UCAC’s analysis of the Survey results and suggestions of issues for the Welsh Government’s Department for Education and Skills to consider.